Friday, September 2, 2011

This week's jazz picks for Minneapolis-St. Paul

Today (Friday, Sept. 2) is Leigh Kamman’s birthday. For more than 30 years, Kamman hosted “The Jazz Image” on Minnesota Public Radio, part of his 60 years in broadcasting. There’s never been a bigger jazz fan, or a more wonderful radio voice. Happy birthday, Leigh. May MPR play at least one jazz tune in your honor.

Tonight at the Artists’ Quarter: Brandon Wozniak on saxophone(s), Peter Schimke on piano, Billy Peterson on bass, Kenny Horst on drums. Since moving to Minnesota in 2006, Brandon Wozniak has left a big impression on the Twin Cities jazz scene, playing with groups including the Atlantis Quartet, Monk in Motian, and most recently the Dave King Trucking Company. It should be fun to see him with these three. 9 p.m. ($10)

On Saturday, the Dakota hosts a tribute to Nick Ashford and Jerry Lieber, who both passed recently. Ginger Commodore,Dennis Spears, and Debbie Duncan will do the honors. Ow ow ow. Someone please tell me that Dennis will sing "Yakety Yak." Expect "Stand By Me," "Ain't No Mountain High Enough," "Ain't Nothing Like the Real Thing," and more great tunes from the 1950s-80s. 8 p.m. ($12)

There’s nothing more Minnesotan than the Minnesota State Fair, going on right now. Tonight and tomorrow at the Leinie Lodge: Dr. John and the Lower 911. 8:30 p.m. Today and tomorrow on the International Bazaar Stage: the Jack Brass Band (10:45, noon, 1:15) and Dan Newton’s Café Accordion Orchestra (3:15, 4:30, 5:45). Free with admission to the Fair.

On Monday at the Dakota: the great Brazilian composer/pianist Ivan Lins. A Latin Grammy winner and one of Brazil’s most celebrated artists. People like Quincy Jones, Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, Carmen MacRae, and Barbra Streisand have recorded his songs. You might know “Love Dance” and “The Island.” 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. ($35/$25)

On Tuesday, Christine Rosholt brings her band and her unique brand of crowd-friendly entertainment to the Nicollet, a coffeehouse on the corner of Nicollet and Franklin (the old Acadia spot) that aims to be a jazz club on Tuesday nights. Christine will be joined by Chris Lomheim, Dave Jensen on trumpet and flugelhorn, Graydon Peterson, and Jay Epstein. Come to listen, drink coffee, and dance. The music starts at 7. No cover.

Next Thursday at the AQ, bass legend Eddie Gomez. The Latin Grammy winner has played with such jazz giants as Miles Davis, Dizzy Gillespie, Bill Evans, and Benny Goodman. He’s made hundreds of recordings—jazz, classical, Latin jazz, R&B, popular, contemporary. That he’s coming to the AQ is a very big deal.

Also on Thursday at the Ted Mann Concert Hall: The Glenn Miller Orchestra. University of Minnesota School of Music director of jazz studies and professor Dean Sorenson is a former member of the orchestra, and he’ll be on hand—maybe in the band? This is one of the great jazz orchestras, reaching back to a time when jazz was America’s popular music. 7:30 p.m. ($34/$39). Tickets through the U of M Tickets and Events Box Office, 612-624-2345.

There's more. There's always more. Check the live jazz calendar to your right or on the KBEM website.